Posts Tagged ‘photo essay’

When you visit the Greek island of Mykonos during the shoulder season, you’re not coming for the beach clubs and all night dance parties. But the “Island of Winds” still has plenty of appealing sites to check out.

A view of Ornos

The Windmills of Kato Milli are a popular tourist destination all year long, particularly at sunset. It’s worth checking them out during dusk, and then take in the sunset views from one of the bars in the Little Venice area. My favorite is Katerina’s.

Aegean color story on Mykonos

Mykonos town is worth exploring, especially for those who like to shop. Window shopping on the winding streets and look at all the jewelry, crafts and souvenirs you could wish for.

Ouzo in an amusing souvenir bottle

Shoulder season at a beach club in Ornos

Gorgeous street scene in Mykonos

Friendly local cat on Mykonos

View of Ornos Bay from the Buddha-Bar

View above Mykonos town

Cocktails at 180 Sunset bar

If you don’t want to deal with the crowds in Mykonos town, check out the Santa Marina Buddha-Bar in Ornos Bay, where the view is zen and the music is eternally chill. It’s open for both lunch and dinner.

Panorama shot of the lighthouse at sunrise

If you’re looking for things to do on Mykonos, consider taking a day trip to the island of Delos, the mythical birthplace of Artemis and Apollo. You can wander among the ancient Greek ruins of one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. There are several tour operators who provide half-day tours, and since you have to take a boat to reach it, it’s a nice way to get a sense of the maritime importance of the Cyclades.

View of Mykonos by boat

There are also plenty of options for a private tour by boat but keep in mind… boats are expensive. Unless you have cash to burn, it’s going to be more comfortable if you go on a group tour by large yacht or boat.

Private boats don’t come cheap

Among the ruins on Delos

Exploring Delos

Signage on Delos

View of Delos

Boats arriving on Delos

Boat near Delos

Church in Mykonos town

If you are a fan of churches, there are several cool ones worth checking out on Mykonos. Along the water in Mykonos town.

The phrase “sunset on the beach” usually conjures up images of tropical destinations and cocktails decorated with with paper umbrellas. The beaches in Norway’s Lofoten Islands might not fit the stereotype, but the sunset scenery is no less stunning.

Sexy slow motion sunset (shot on iPhone 7 plus)

One of my favorite stops during my Arctic Photography Workshop was Haukland Beach, also known as Hauklandstranda.

No Filter Sunset on Haukland Beach

The colorful sunset I witnessed (and photographed) had colors so unreal, some of the images I took looked overly photoshopped despite being #nofilter.

Snowy sunset on Hauklandstranda

The drama of the colorful sky, clouds, sea, and dramatic arctic scenery was breathtaking.

#NoFilter Sunset on Haukland Beach

Sand, snow, and a sunset

Pastel sunset in Northern Norway

Haukland Beach is considered one of the best beaches in the Lofoten Islands. Don’t let winter weather keep you from checking it out for yourself.

Haukland Beach, Leknes Island

8370, Uttakleivveien 200, 8370 Leknes, Norway

(10 km north of Leknes)

Just before entering the tunnel to Utakleiv is a parking area on the left.

Of all of beaches I saw in Norway’s Lofoten Islands, Utakleiv had the most diversity. It’s a photographer’s dream with it’s creamy white sand, green grass, jewel toned tidal pools and rocky coastline.

Tidal pools and emerald seas in Norway

Utakleiv Beach is also easy to reach by car and doesn’t require a hike, making it one of the most photographed spots in the Lofoten Islands.

Portrait of Ana at Utakleiv Beach

While Ana and I explored Utakleiv Beach during the day, it’s also a popular spot to watch (and photograph) the northern lights.

We had Utakleiv Beach all to ourselves

While we heard that the beach was popular during the summer months, one of the benefits of traveling during shoulder season is that we had the place entirely to ourselves.

Ana on a grassy knoll at Utakleiv beach

The clouds were moody, adding to the dramatic and craggy scenery.

Clouds, water, rocks, and sand

The light was soft and flattering during our visit so I used the opportunity to shoot a few portraits of Ana using the depth mode (aka portrait mode) feature on my iPhone 7 plus. I love the results.

Ana at Utakleiv beach (portrait mode)

The beach is also a favorite spot for photographers in winter when the rocks along the coastline are covered in snow.

Portrait of Ana among the rocks (iPhone 7 plus)

There were a few picnic tables on Utakleiv, and it’s a popular spot for camping when the weather is suitable.

Jewel toned tidal pool at Utakleiv Beach

Directions:

From Leknes, it is about 20 minutes out. Follow the E10 out of Leknes and turn right onto Vikveien. Then take the Fv826 to Uttakleivveien. At the intersection, take a left to stay on Uttakleivveien until you see a parking area on the right and the beach right next to it.

The Palouse Region of Southeast Washington is best known for it’s vibrant colors and vivid landscapes, but some of my favorite images from my recent trip to Southeast Washington work better in black and white.

France photographing her favorite tree near Steptoe Butte

The rolling agricultural landscape of the area can be striking in black and white when it plays up the graphic lines, dramatic clouds, and light of the area.

Treads on a tractor and striped fields

I like how the treads on this tractor mimic the striped fields in the background.

Vintage Truck in Garfield, WA

Editing in black in white can also help when skies are a bit flat, like in the shot below of the crumbling grainery just off the Palouse Scenic Byway.

Crumbling grainery in Pullman

Photo above by France Freeman

My black and white edits were inspired by this shot my friend, photographer France Freeman, took of me in Pullman. Who knew Pullman had street art?